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We're committed to providing the highest quality care in a manner that is sensitive to your child's age, cultural background and individual needs. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

The safety of our patients and families is our first priority. We ask for your help in keeping your child safe:

  • Wear your Parent Identification Badge at all times. You can get your Parent ID at the information desk in the hospital's main lobby.
  • Check in at the NICU front desk when you arrive on the unit.
  • Cell phone use is prohibited in the NICU.
  • Beverages are allowed in the unit, but all food items need to be kept in the waiting room

NICU amenities

Parents and guardians are welcome to visit the unit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We recommend two visitors at a time and ask that visitors be accompanied by a parent.

There is a small play area in the family waiting room with activities, toys, books and a television your family can use. There are limited sleeping arrangements for one parent/guardian. Your bedside nurse and/or social worker can provide you with more detailed information.

The NICU has a dedicated social worker who can help you cope with the emotional aspects of hospitalization, illness, or injury by providing supportive, short-term counseling. Additionally, the Hale Family Center for Families supports families through their experience at Boston Children's Hospital. All patients and families are welcome to benefit from these services which include activity spaces for older siblings visiting, wellness programs, multicultural services and more.

Your support and cooperation help us provide patients with the best possible care. Please keep the following in mind:

  • We will include you as part of our team when making decisions about your child's health care.
  • We will assess your child frequently throughout the day and night. This means that we will check your child's vital signs, give medications and complete other tasks.
  • We respect the privacy of all of our patients, so we cannot answer questions about any other patients or families.
  • We will use all members of the Children's team, including doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical assistants, social workers, physical therapists, Child Life specialists and nutritionists, to answer your questions in a timely manner.
  • Some children need to be on special precautions. In these cases, staff and visitors may need to wear gowns, gloves and/or masks when caring for your child. You will be told if you need to wear this kind of protective clothing.
  • If you are breastfeeding, please speak with your child's nurse or the lactation specialist to arrange for proper storage of your milk and any other considerations related to lactation.

When you are not at the hospital and would like to speak to your child's nurse, you can call 617-355-8076 or 800-666-5440.